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JLPT N1 Grammar

手前

N1体面

N1 · 体面 · verbplain form + 手前 / noun + の + 手前

because of one's position; given appearances

verbplain form + 手前 / noun + の + 手前

Shows that because of one's position, reputation, or what one has publicly said, one is compelled to act in a certain way.

Common when one has said something or holds a role and therefore cannot avoid acting accordingly.

後輩に毎日続けろと言った手前、自分も復習を休むわけにはいかない。

Having told my junior to continue every day, I cannot skip my own review either.

Do not confuse it with spatial 手前 meaning 'in front'; here it concerns social position and appearances.

Once the words are said, your position pushes you forward.

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